Petition to purchase Medway historic properties faces challenges

A fourth-generation Medway resident recently spearheaded efforts to have the town purchase two historic properties on the market for about $200,000, but officials remain skeptical due to limited time and uncertain use.

By Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Posted Apr. 17, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 17, 2013 at 5:04 PM

By Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Posted Apr. 17, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 17, 2013 at 5:04 PM

MEDWAY

» Social News

A fourth-generation Medway resident recently spearheaded efforts to have the town purchase two historic properties on the market for about $200,000, but officials remain skeptical due to limited time and uncertain use.

Tracy Bennett Stewart went before the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night with a petition asking the town to use Community Preservation Act funds to purchase and preserve Medway’s first library, the Cole Library at 195 Main St., and fire station at 197 Main St.

"I think it’s really important for our town to preserve these buildings and own these buildings," said Stewart, who attended nursery school in the Cole Library building. "My story is the story of probably 1,000 people in Medway."

While the board does not delegate use of Community Preservation Act funds, Stewart said she’s looking for its support to make the purchase happen quickly, as an offer has been accepted on the properties.

"I feel this is an urgent request," said Stewart, who suggested that the Historical Society use the buildings.

Mark Cerel, chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, said he reached out to the society when the buildings went up for sale more than a year ago, but the idea "doesn’t work for them" due to limited parking and other issues.

Resident Doug Downing pointed out that there’s a parking problem at the current location, and there’s plenty of space at Medway Public Library, which is a short and safe walk away.

Stewart has to approach the CPC about funding, which would then need to make a positive recommendation before Town Meeting could vote on whether to purchase the properties.

"They’re very old buildings, and would just be the start of the costs," Cerel said. "We would need a fairly solid plan for adapted reuse of the building."

While selectmen voiced concern with the feasibility and reoccurring costs of another town-owned property, they also encouraged Stewart to develop a multi-use plan.

"I’d love to see it happen," selectman John Foresto said. "Whatever you do, you need to move fast."

Selectman Glenn Trindade offered to meet with Stewart to discuss the process if the offer on the table falls through, and the board suggested she develop some ideas for use to put forth to the Community Preservation Committee at its next meeting on May 6.

In other business, the board discussed joining the Metrowest Anti-Casino Coalition, which is now an agreement between Holliston and Hopkinton to oppose the proposed Milford casino.

Chairman Andrew Espinosa said while coalescing with other surrounding communities "isn’t a bad idea," he needs more information about the group and what exactly its goal and game plan is.

He also said it’s important the town have something in place for mitigation in case the proposal moves forward.

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"We can’t just pursue one avenue. … We need to work both ends of the stick," he said.

The board voted to add an article to the warrant for the May 13 special Town Meeting seeking to repurpose $40,000 in excess legal funds to support casino-related activities, as well as to meet with the two other towns regarding the coalition.

Jessica Trufant can be reached at 508-634-7556 or JTrufant@wickedlocal.com.